Beware of Using Other People’s Photos
Hi everyone,
I’m writing this as a public service. I’d hate to see any one get into trouble. A ton of people from around the world blog as a hobby and love sharing photos.
Recently I read the letter of a blogger who had use a photo from Google Images and credited the image. She thought she had done everything right. Her blog was a hobby, not a way to make money. She got a legal take down notice or a DMCA notice (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) it means that you are using the material illegally or are infringing on someone’s copyright and must take down that material immediately. She took it down right away, then she was sued for $7000 for copyright infringement for which she had to go to court.
I’ve seen and heard this happening with image sharing sites. So beware when you’re on Flicker, Pinterest, Google Images, and other sites. Some photos have watermarks, an embedded copyright, the logo of a company above the comment box, and some of those company logos are difficult to decipher. Always click
and check out the link and find out who it is. If you are in doubt, go through the process to get permission to use the photos and abide by any restrictions they may have such as giving credit and the their link. This permission may not be available for more than one post, read their restrictions carefully and ask questions.
If they say no, then live without it.
For more information on Take Down Notices visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notice_and_take_down
In the meantime, get out your camera and take your own photos.
There is the cover of my next release, my steampunk romance, Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room, where they serve more than tea. It’s coming out this month. Ashley Marko is the cover artist.
Good luck with your photos, be original and take care.
All the best,
Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Filed under: A Public Service, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, romance, romance novels, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life


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